The stars align for a great trip to Paris

A short trip to the City of Light to celebrate a birthday has a few memorable highlights

A foodie's paradise, E. Dehillerin, is the oldest kitchen equipment store in Paris.

Photograph by: Ruby Turner
, for Postmedia News

Astrology devotees believe the stars can strongly increase our desire to travel between the two birth dates of our zodiac sign. I think the devotee who wrote this might also be a travel agent, but I still think it is a great idea as some would-be travellers just need that extra push to get going. I also think it is a great idea as April is my birth month and it was just the reason I was looking for to visit Paris and celebrate yet another birthday.

Following up on the astrology connection with travelling, I learned that the Zodiac of Paris is considered the basis of all modern astronomy systems. These ancient stones date back to 50 BC in Egypt's Dendera Temple and are on display at the Louvre Museum. I had planned on visiting the Louvre to see the season's temporary exhibits so I added the Zodiac to the list of things to see.

The Zodiac's large circular stone is hidden away in an alcove of Egyptian Antiquities and is only mentioned in the most expensive guide books. Visitors with just a floor plan to the Egyptian section will have to look for a guide and request directions to the Zodiac. It helps the translation if you point upwards when asking the question.

Once inside the alcove, chances are you will be the only one there, the only visible display is a detailed wall chart with Egyptian figures and arrows pointed in all directions. For those not familiar with the Zodiac symbols or the French language this may look more like a detailed map of the Louvre's fire escape routes. The secret to being able to view the ancient stone Zodiac is to close your eyes, stand still, very still and think of the stars. Then look up to the low ceiling and gaze upon the large circular stone with its ancient signs and symbols carved thousands of year ago recording the heaven and stars. It is well worth the visit as its history is fascinating and there is no rush to leave the quiet alcove.

Paris is a great destination but when planning a holiday it helps to determine if you are visiting or staying in the city. The difference is all about time and energy. For short visits to cities such as Paris you will need the energy to fit two or three highlights in a day or choose between great choices to fit your time schedule. For long stays, you can relax and set a schedule of visits that fit the lifestyle of a retired Parisian. The best advantage for having extended time is being able to choose apartment living over hotel rooms.

I checked on www.rentmix.com for available rentals and found one located on a quiet street between the Opera and the Louvre. The weekly rate works out to just under $150 for night which is a great price for a full kitchen, living room, and bedroom. Being able to cook some of your meals can make Paris a very affordable holiday.

Cooking in Paris is not like cooking on Maui. No Costco shopping but great food markets, wine stores, fresh produce stalls, and endless bakeries. Most days we eat lunch at one of the sidewalk cafes and pick up something to cook for dinner in the evenings. Eating a true Parisian lunch and then shopping for your evening meal along the market street of Rue Cler before walking home past the Louvre and Opera House means you are truly experiencing a day in Paris.

Yesterday I visited the famous E. Dehillerin kitchen equipment shop. This is the oldest store of it kind in Paris and is stocked from floor to ceiling on two floors with just about every cooking implement ever made. The highlight and main attraction is the display of a full range of copper pans and moulds that are sold to professional and serious home chefs. It is truly inspiring to walk the aisles and admire row upon row of quality knives, spoons, whisks, bowls and pans of every shape and size. Prices are available only by matching the item's stock number with the one found in the main book kept in the front of the shop. Today, being the day after Easter Monday, means Fauchon Chocolate shops have all the Easter chocolate eggs and bells on sale at 30 per cent off regular price.

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